![The South Fork and Salt Fires both started on June 17. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dexter Fire and Rescue](/images/resized/images/news/2024/482_jun28/27_100_100.jpg)
RUIDOSO, N.M. — Residents in Ruidoso and parts of surrounding Lincoln County were ordered to evacuate June 17 due to rapidly developing wildfires that had consumed thousands of acres in the area.
Between the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire, the New Mexico Forestry Department has estimated that about 23,000 acres of land has been burned as of June 19.
Two people were reportedly found dead on June 18 in separate locations.
Patrick Pearson, one of the victims, loved music. In a June 19 interview with KOB 4, his children remembered him for his incredible talent.
“He was one of the best singers in New Mexico,” they said. “Anybody he’s played with, they would tell you the...